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2008 Ford Ranger

Interior

2008 Ford Ranger Interior Review

Note: This interior review was created when the 2008 Ford Ranger was new.

Scorecard

Interior:

6.0

The 2008 Ranger gets a mediocre rating for interior because its cabin is relatively tight on space and even fitting four passengers in the Super Cab is a squeeze. "Anyone seeking real comfort for four passengers should look at trucks with crew-cab or full-size extended-cab configurations," Automobile Magazine reports.

Reviewers also find the design and materials a bit dated and utilitarian, though they note improvement over recent years. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel describes the interior as "fairly nondescript, a black-and-gray cloth interior with a plastic-feeling dash and controls." Automobile Magazine continues: "Inside, Ford hasn't done quite so well at creating a facade of freshness [as it did with the exterior]. Door panels, dash design, and a sad little column shifter date back to the 1990s, although a modern steering wheel, a freshened gauge cluster, and thumping stereos attempt to keep the truck up-to-date."

Seating

The Ranger's Regular Cab offers seating for up to three on a front bench (or seating for two in optional front bucket seats), while Super Cabs can seat up to five with a pair of flip-up jump seats in back. Kelley Blue Book says, "The Ranger has gotten a bit roomier than in generations past," but several reviewers go on to note roominess and comfort still leave something to be desired.

Most feel the Super Cab's standard rear jump seats are not practical for adult passengers. Consumer Guide calls the rear seats "cramped and uncomfortable" and says they "should be used for only limited distances or small children." Likewise, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports: "[t]his is really a two-person truck with the option of hauling a couple of folks for a very short distance. Access through the small back doors is best left to youngsters." The back doors are only half-doors that open front to rear, prompting the Orlando Sentinel to note, "If you want four full doors and a back seat, Ford salespeople will point you to the Explorer Sport Trac."

Interior Features

The Ranger's several trim levels offer varying degrees of comfort and convenience. Reviewers say the base XL model may be too Spartan for most buyers, with the Orlando Sentinel arguing it's best for fleet sales. The XL features a front vinyl 60/40 bench seat (cloth sport bucket seats are optional) and an AM/FM stereo receiver/clock, among other features. Notable features that are not standard, but can be added on as options, include air conditioning, a CD player and cruise control. Reviewers recommend trading up to the XLT for a better-equipped model.

Stereo and Entertainment

Optional on the Sport Super Cab model only is a 510-watt Pioneer audio system that reviewers love. The system, which is one of Kelley Blue Book's "favorite features," comes as part of the TREMOR Package with an in-dash six-CD changer with MP3 capability. Kelley Blue Book says the Pioneer "blows away all other stock systems," and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports it "rocks the small truck."

Cargo

Most of the Ranger's cargo space is in its truck bed, but a few reviewers mention interior storage space. Consumer Guide finds Regular Cab models "have useful space behind the bench or bucket seats." However, as many have previously pointed out, rear access doors don't open independently of the front doors, "making loading difficult in confined spaces." As for cockpit storage, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes: "Between the seats are two cup holders, a coin tray and fold-up armrest that covers a big storage box. That helps make up for an extremely tiny glove box."